Recent research from Nagoya University has found that a specific 100 Hz pure tone can effectively alleviate motion sickness symptoms. This "sound spice" technology stimulates the otolithic organs in the inner ear, which are responsible for detecting linear acceleration and gravity, thereby improving balance and spatial orientation.
Key findings include:
- Significant Reduction in Symptoms: Even one minute of exposure to the 100 Hz tone at a safe sound pressure level (around 80-85 dBZ) reduced motion sickness symptoms like nausea and dizziness in human trials involving driving simulators, swings, and real cars.
- Objective Improvements: Posturography and electrocardiography (ECG) analysis showed improved balance and a positive modulation of the autonomic nervous system (reduced sympathetic nerve activity), which is often dysregulated in motion sickness.
- Lasting Effect: In mice studies, the motion-sickness-alleviating effect of a 5-minute exposure to the 100 Hz tone lasted for over two hours.
- Safety and Simplicity: The sound level is within the range of everyday environmental noise, suggesting a safe and practical approach for preventing motion sickness in various travel situations.